When you’re learning to play drums, you will discover several different genres and music styles. As you progress, you will want to be able to emulate a drummer’s style, and manipulate it to make it your own. Here, Baltimore, MD drum teacher Sean M. shares his tips to help you create your own signature sound…
You’re a drummer. You’ve been playing for years, and you’re good. But there’s one thing that you feel is missing from your playing: a signature sound. That je ne sais quoi that would make people sit up and take notice when you start playing. Something that would make them say, “That’s [insert your name here]!”
Fortunately, developing signature sounds is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, it can be boiled down to a three-step process.
How Do You Identify Drum Sounds?
As a drummer, developing your own unique signature sound is essential to standing out from the crowd. There are a few key things you can do to help you identify drum sounds that will work for you:
- First, pay attention to the drums that you naturally gravitate towards when you’re listening to music. What kinds of sounds do you like?
- Experiment with different kinds of drumheads and sticks to see what kinds of sounds they produce. Pay attention to how the different materials affect the sound of the drums.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with effects pedals and other devices that can help you create unique sounds.
By taking the time to experiment and find the right combination of elements, you’ll be well on your way to developing your own signature sound as a drummer.
Want to become a better drum player so you can develop your own unique sound? You should consider signing up for drumming lessons. It’s the best way to learn the basics – and in addition to figuring out your favorite songs, you’ll also learn the basics you need for lifelong success, like what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwKF7LiXW3I
How To Develop Your Signature Sound on Drums
When it comes to drumming, there are so many different types of licks, genres, fills, and techniques. While it’s a great idea to learn to play different drum styles, most drummers want to eventually develop their own signature sound. Here’s a quick guide to help you develop your own distinctive sound.
Essentially, developing an original style means making conscious decisions about what you’re doing on the drum set. It takes a long time to learn this type of control. A drummer needs to build a good amount of skill to be able to understand all of the possibilities on drums.
To be clear, this doesn’t mean you need to be able to play every lick in every style. The goal is to familiarize yourself with different techniques, combinations, grooves, and fills. Once you are familiar with all of these possibilities, you can begin to make personalized decisions and develop your own style.
Step 1: Listen
First and foremost, you must listen. Listen to everything you can find. Listen to drummers you like, and even drummers you don’t like. Figure out which techniques you want to learn. Again, your style is all about your preferences, and you develop these preferences by listening.
Another part of the first step in developing your signature sound is to find your influences. Who are the drummers that you admire? Who do you strive to emulate? Make a list of these drummers and listen to their music—a lot. Not only will this help you get an idea of what sounds you like, but it will also give you a starting point for Step 2.
Now that you have your list of influences, it’s time to start analyzing them. What do they all have in common? Is there a certain technique that they use? A particular way of tuning their drums? An unorthodox style of stroke? Once you have identified what it is that makes these drummers stand out, you can begin to incorporate those elements into your own playing.
Step 2: Experiment
Once you have assimilated the sounds of your influences, it’s time to put your own spin on it. This is where your signature sound will begin to take shape. Think about how you can change up the techniques or strokes that you’ve been using. Experiment with different tunings and dampening techniques. Try using different stick sizes or beaters. The possibilities are endless—it just takes a little exploration and trial and error to find what works best for you.
Now is the time to take what you’ve heard and apply it during practice. This is the time to try a lot of different things at the drum kit. Switch from matched grip to traditional grip, try using the toms to play a fill, Play a new combo. Feel free to experiment and have fun, you may discover something new that sounds great!
Step 3: Refine
Once you’ve figured out your direction, it’s time to smooth things out. Now is the time to make decisions. Use everything you’ve gained from listening, practicing, and experimenting. This is the fun part; be whatever kind of drummer you want to be!
Best Signature Sound Songs to Hone Your Craft
When you’re first starting out playing drums, it can be difficult to find your own unique sound. You might feel like you have to copy what other people are doing in order to be good. But the truth is, the best drummers are the ones who have a signature sound that’s all their own.
These are three songs that will help you find your own unique signature sound on drums. There are countless other songs out there that can also help you find your sound. The important thing is to just keep practicing and experimenting until you find something that feels right for you.
With enough time and effort, you’ll be able to develop your own unique style of drumming that will make you stand out from the rest!
1. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen
This song is a great example of how to use the drums to drive the melody of the song. Pay attention to how Alex Van Halen uses his drums to punctuate the vocals and guitar playing. This is a great technique to use when you’re trying to create your own signature sound on drums.
2. “Wipeout” by The Surfaris
This song is a perfect example of how less can be more when it comes to drumming. The drummer doesn’t overplay his hand, but instead uses simple rhythms and dynamics to create a sound that’s both unique and memorable. This is a great approach to take if you want your signature sound on drums to be more understated and reserved.
3. “When the Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin
This song is a perfect example of how to use your drums to create tension and release in a song. Listen to how John Bonham uses his drums to create a feeling of unease in the verses, before unleashing a powerful drum solo in the chorus. This is a great approach to take if you want your signature sound on drums to be more dynamic and exciting.
Developing Your Personal Sound Signature: Be Patient!
Just like many aspects of playing drums, developing your sound doesn’t happen overnight, so remember to be patient. Repeat this three-step process, practice hard, and have fun. Before you know it, you will improve your skills and develop your own signature sound.
Developing a signature sound can seem like a daunting task, but by taking it one step at a time, it is definitely achievable. Just remember to find your influences, analyze their techniques, and put your own spin on it. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be sure to develop the perfect sound for YOU!
Looking for a great drum instructor in your area? Search here for drum teachers near you!
Sean M. teaches drums, guitar, and music theory in Baltimore, MD. He is currently studying music composition at the University of Maryland. Sean has been teaching private lessons since 2011. Learn more about Sean here!
Photo by James England
Maile Proctor